When most people visit India, their first stop is either Delhi or Mumbai. Therefore, the first impressions about the country come from these two cities. And we all know there’s no second chance for first impressions. Delhi, which is well worthy of its famous nickname “Mini India” is the perfect place to get your first impression of the country. In Delhi, you will find people from every corner of the country with different religions, traditions, and customs. All this is making Delhi the real cultural melting pot of India. When you hear the phrase “The Eternal City”, the first thing that comes to your mind is Rome. But, in my eyes, after spending almost a year in New Delhi, I can say that Delhi is just as “eternal” as Rome. The city has been built, destroyed and rebuilt many times. It has been a home of 7 different civilizations and has witnessed the fall of 7 great dynasties. Delhi has been around since the ancient city of Indraprastha. It was the capital of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. Finally, the city went through the British colonial time to become the capital that it is today.
When most people visit India, their first stop is either Delhi or Mumbai. Therefore, the first impressions about the country come from these two cities and we all know there’s no second chance for first impressions. Delhi, which is well worthy of its famous nickname “Mini India” is the perfect place to get your first impression of this magnificent country. Here, you will find people from every corner of India with different religions, traditions, and customs. All this is making the capital the real cultural melting pot of India and this Delhi travel guide will show you everything you need to know to survive your stay in the capital!
Even though it doesn’t look like it, India, and especially Delhi have a lot to offer. Despite being a capital city, Delhi is unique and very different than any other city I’ve ever visited.
Yes, it’s one of the most polluted cities in the world and you would probably need an air cleanser if you want to stay here. Yes, it’s dirty. True, there are cows walking down the street. But this city has its own charm. A charm that can’t be found anywhere else.
A few basic tips about Delhi
If you’re a tourist visiting Delhi, you’re either going to go through two phases or just one. You’re either going to hate this city’s guts and fall in love with it later, or you’re going to hate Delhi forever and go home with a lot of bad impressions.
India, and especially Delhi isn’t what you’d call the perfect vacation spot. Delhi is a challenge, and one should approach it with an open mind. Do this and you’ll be rewarded with a life-changing experience.
But if you don’t do that you will end up hating the city and your trip will be ruined. Take everything that’s happening around you as a learning curve and go with the flow. Just remember: To start loving this city, you must hate its guts first. That’s a precondition.
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Hey this is a new take on Delhi. I have been born and brought up in Delhi never saw it this way.
Indeed, it is. Everyone has their own take I suppose but this is my opinion based on things that I heard from other foreigners 🙂
I truly agree with you that Delhi though a polluted city but it is very wonderful. Delhi is very charming and yes everyone should visit this wonderful city.
It sure is, Yukti
Yes, Delhi is definitely mini India. You’ll find people from all over India living here.
It sure is, Rajat 🙂
Yeah I’d love to visit India but I find it a little overwhelming. So many people but this post has got me wanting to visit again!
Thank you, Brittany- I’m glad to hear you liked it.
I really want to visit India so badly! I’ve heard mixed reviews about Delhi but I would love to go and make up my own mind. I think sometimes you have to delve into the bad bits to appreciate the good bits!
Indeed, everyone has a different experience from Delhi. I hope you get the chance to visit soon and make up your own mind.
I was in Delhi in December and it was cold and foggy, so I really did not see too much of the city, but what I did see I enjoyed. I loved the month I spent in India.
Well, I suppose that was smog rather than fog as Delhi is very polluted during this time of the year but I’m glad you liked what you saw 🙂
I’ve lived a good many years in Delhi and love every bit of it!
Me too, Smita- Delhi is a place that was my home for over a year.
Nice post on what to love in Delhi, it’s an eye opener for some tourist ans locals too. I hope I can see what Delhi has to offer. 🙂
Thank you, Laurence- I’m glad you think that. I really appreciate it
This was super helpful as I consider heading to Delhi someday! I think this is great advice for a way to approach a new place! Thank you!
Awesome, Cate- I hope you have a great time in Delhi
As someone who has spent almost 4 years of his life in Delhi, I totally agree with your sentiment. Delhi’s beauty is very unusual and once you get to know it, the city is not that bad.
Thank you, Anshul- I really appreciate it.
This is very interesting. I can see your point on the matter. Delhi is a city you may need to find your niche. I know this sounds silly but I actually believe that for everywhere!
It might sound silly to someone that didn’t visit Delhi before/ didn’t spend a lot of time in the city but not to me, Diana. Thank you for commenting, I appreciate it.
I have a love and hate relationship with Delhi even though I am an Indian. So, I can understand where you are coming from. It is easy to hate but once you get to know the place, it is easy to fall in love.
Absolutely, Soumya! Delhi has and always will have a special place in my heart.
As a Delhite, I completely agree with you and loved your take on Delhi. It takes time to see beyond the dust and crowds but once you know Delhi, you can’t help but fall for its charm.
Thank you, Anjali- you comment means a lot coming from a Delhite 🙂